The Biggest Data Security Threat of 2017 (And How to Get Ready)

2016 was the year of ransomware. According to a survey from Osterman Research, nearly 50% of organizations were hit with ransomware in the past 12 months. And only 4% of participants said they were confident that their current data security plan could prevent a future attack.

How can you keep ransomware attackers at bay in 2017 and ensure your critical data remains safe and secure? Keep reading to learn more about this rapidly evolving threat and how to safeguard your data in the new year.

What is ransomware?

First things first, what exactly is ransomware? Ransomware is malicious software that locks a computer or network and demands a ransom in exchange for business data. Basically, attackers say pay up or you’ll never see your data again. And even if the business pays the requested ransom, there is no guarantee their data will be returned.

Ransomware is nothing new. In fact, it’s been around for almost 10 years. The first case of ransomware was discovered in Russia between 2005 and 2006. Since then, it’s grown into one of the biggest data security threats facing consumers and businesses alike.

How dangerous is ransomware?

There’s no denying that ransomware was the leading threat of 2016, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. McAfee Labs 2017 Threats Predictions Report predicts that ransomware will remain rampant into the new year, only to subside in the second half of the year.

It’s not always easy to tell if an email contains ransomware. Over the years, ransomware attackers have gotten smarter and sneakier. They often hide in plain sight. They send convincing emails appearing to be from someone you know, maybe even the CEO of your company. These emails ask for payroll or billing information.

No business is safe from ransomware. Both small and large businesses are at risk. If you need your data to do business (and what business doesn’t?), you could be the next victim of ransomware.

Ransomware victims are caught between a rock and a hard place. Either they pay up and hope their data is returned, or they go through the painstaking process of trying to recover or replace their critical data. Neither option is very appealing. And many businesses feel they have no choice but to give in and pay the ransom, especially if they failed to implement a backup and recovery solution that ensures their business data is quickly and easily recovered.

How can you prevent ransomware?

While there’s no bulletproof solution to ransomware, you can improve your chances of evading ransomware threats or expedite recovery when attackers strike. For starters, educate your employees to recognize warning signs of malicious emails or websites, emails or websites that could be linking to ransomware software. Develop and enforce an employee cybersecurity policy that highlights all threats and data security best practices.

Even with all the warnings, some employees will still fall for ransomware schemes. That’s why it’s important to take additional precautionary measures. If you haven’t already, make backing up your data a top priority.

Consistent data backups ensure your data is available and easily recoverable, even when ransomware attackers infiltrate your system. You’ll never lose access to stolen data, not when it’s stored in an off-site backup disconnected from the main network and out of the attacker’s reach.

How often you backup your data depends on your business, its data requirements and available resources. If your data is constantly changing and increasing in volume, try backing up data as often as once a month.

What’s Next?

We know backing up data can be a long and time-consuming process…but it doesn’t have to be. Razor Technology’s team of experts can help you design, implement and support a comprehensive backup and recovery solution, a solution that secures uptime and protects your vital business data.

Data loss can result in disastrous consequences for you, your employees and your business. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let us help you avoid costly downtime and data loss and prepare for ransomware, malware, disaster and the most dangerous threats. Contact us today, and we’ll help you build a solution that fits your exact needs.

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Jim Stillittano

Partner

In 2003, Jim Stillittano and George Sucher had a vision for Razor Technology that they sketched out on a napkin at a local restaurant in West Conshohocken, across the street from where the headquarters of Razor Technology would soon be established. Being seasoned industry professionals and having 360-degree experience working with Fortune 100 technology companies, it became apparent to both Jim and George that there was a void in the system integration space.

So the duo built a service technology platform that supports enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions by applying an unbiased technology approach, heterogeneous best-of-breed solutions and disruptive subject matter expertise to effectively help our customers manage their IT infrastructures while reducing cost. Moreover, they gathered a world-class team of expert technologists and built a company culture that cultivates innovation.

Today, Razor Technology continues to execute on the original vision and strategy that has since evolved into a full service, end-to-end, IT cloud infrastructure services company with best-in-class capabilities in the following areas: architecture, integration, deployment, and managed services. Most recently, Razor Technology’s consultative advisory organization has helped many enterprise customers transform their IT environments to harness optimal efficiency while integrating best practices and tribal knowledge. What started as an idea and a solution to fill a necessary void grew into a robust organization with offices in Philadelphia and New York, delivering value and full-service solutions.

Under the partnership of Jim Stillittano and George Sucher, Razor Technology has grown into a successful customer-focused company by stepping out of the service provider role and becoming a true partner to our customers.

George Sucher

Partner

In 2003, Jim Stillittano and George Sucher had a vision for Razor Technology that they sketched out on a napkin at a local restaurant in West Conshohocken, across the street from where the headquarters of Razor Technology would soon be established. Being seasoned industry professionals and having 360-degree experience working with Fortune 100 technology companies, it became apparent to both Jim and George that there was a void in the system integration space.

So the duo built a service technology platform that supports enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions by applying an unbiased technology approach, heterogeneous best-of-breed solutions and disruptive subject matter expertise to effectively help our customers manage their IT infrastructures while reducing cost. Moreover, they gathered a world-class team of expert technologists and built a company culture that cultivates innovation.

Today, Razor Technology continues to execute on the original vision and strategy that has since evolved into a full service, end-to-end, IT cloud infrastructure services company with best-in-class capabilities in the following areas: architecture, integration, deployment, and managed services. Most recently, Razor Technology’s consultative advisory organization has helped many enterprise customers transform their IT environments to harness optimal efficiency while integrating best practices and tribal knowledge. What started as an idea and a solution to fill a necessary void grew into a robust organization with offices in Philadelphia and New York, delivering value and full-service solutions.

Under the partnership of Jim Stillittano and George Sucher, Razor Technology has grown into a successful customer-focused company by stepping out of the service provider role and becoming a true partner to our customers.

Ryan Rosenkaimer

Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, Ryan oversees Razor’s managed services and cloud engineering, with a focus on driving positive customer support. Helping shape the overall direction of technology, infrastructure design and solutions for Razor Technology, Ryan applies his deep technical expertise to not only elevate the technical team but help Razor clients achieve value-driven results. Ryan dedicates himself to maintaining a broad and contemporary understanding of information technologies. This includes new technologies, trends, upcoming products and software and paying close attention to best practices as they develop constantly. Ryan has a knack for always staying ahead of the curve and making sure to pass on these ongoing changes in technology to Razor’s customers.

Ryan has over 17 years of experience developing operation teams and supporting the most advanced IT systems. He has extensive experience across Unix/Linux/Windows platforms, Network Security, Cloud Solutions, Virtualization and securing server environments. Prior to joining Razor, Ryan was the VP of Alura, a managed service provider, where he was responsible for developing the overall technology vision for the company and its customer’s. He also oversaw the daily operations of the business and the network operations support teams. He also was a winner of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2015 Top IT Professionals in recognition of his background in cloud security solutions.

Tom Reynolds

Director of Technology Solutions

As Director of Technology Solutions, Tom is responsible for ensuring that every Razor customer receives the best possible guidance when making technology decisions. Tom continuously assesses new technologies and monitors industry trends and best practices to ensure that any product or service offered by Razor is best in breed.

Prior to joining Razor, Tom spent over 20 years in technology management within the financial services industry. This allows Tom to bring a highly qualified viewpoint on infrastructure architecture, information security, and IT process to Razor’s customers. Since joining Razor in 2015, Tom has used this experience to improve and expand a key component of Razor’s services portfolio – The Razor FitCheck.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from La Salle University, and has maintained a CISSP certification since 2005.

Christopher J. McGrath Sr.

CEO

After 20 years of technology and services company experience in various industries, Christopher joined Razor Technology in March 2013 as Director of Finance. Most recently, he was VP of Operations for Chadds Ford Auto Group. Christopher’s prior roles included Controller positions at both Insight Interactive and Unreal Marketing.

Christopher also served as Senior Accountant for Primavera Systems. In addition to Finance, he also manages facilities and operations for Razor. Christopher holds a BS in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University and an MBA from Eastern University.

David Rosenthal

VP of Digital Business Technology Solutions

David J. Rosenthal is a passionate leader and expert at applying technology to solve business challenges. After a successful career in sales, IT, marketing, project and product management for firms such as Apple, AT&T / Ameritech, and CDI Corporation, David founded founded Atidan in 2005 to provide technology services and solutions to “Global 2000” clients. In late 2016, David sold Atidan to Razor Technology, a Philadelphia-based end-to-end technology solution provider.

After spending the first three years of Atidan broadly focused on Comcast Corporation, David has worked for global enterprises such as Interpublic Group, Viacom, NBC, Hearst, Time Warner, Reed Elsevier, The New York Times, WPP, Stryker, Gannett/USA Today, Havas, Kaiser Permanente and Microsoft.

David’s consultative, honest and advisory approach to the many small, medium and large customers has won him accolades from both clients and solution partners.

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